The Maria Theresa Thaler (MTT) is a silver coin that has been used in world trade continuously since it was first minted in 1741. It is named after Maria Theresa, who ruled Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia from 1740 to 1780.
Here are some key facts about the Maria Theresa Thaler:
- Design: The coin features a right-facing portrait of Empress Maria Theresa with a widow’s veil on the obverse (front) and the imperial double-headed eagle with the arms of Austria on the reverse (back). It also includes various inscriptions identifying Maria Theresa’s titles and the year “1780”.
- Significance: The Maria Theresa Thaler became a globally trusted and popular trade coin, circulating widely in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It was even preferred over the currency of occupying forces during World War II in some areas. Its popularity was due in part to its consistent silver content and its association with Maria Theresa’s image of honesty and trustworthiness.
- Restrikes: All Maria Theresa Thalers minted after 1780, even today, bear the date “1780”. This is because the coin was so popular as a trade currency that mints continued to produce it with the original date after Maria Theresa’s death. These later productions are known as “restrikes”.
- Silver Content: Maria Theresa Thalers weigh around 28.0668 grams and are made from 83.33% silver, containing approximately 23.386 grams (0.752 troy ounces) of fine silver.
- Value: The value of a Maria Theresa Thaler can vary depending on its condition and whether it is an original strike or a restrike, though most found today are restrikes. Restrikes generally sell for around $30 to $50.
- Identification: Identifying older or original strikes can be challenging due to the consistency of the 1780 date on all thalers produced after that year. However, slight differences in the design, such as the shape of the brooch, the lettering, and the presence or absence of a cross next to the year, can help determine the origin and potential strike date of a particular coin. Forgeries do exist, so it’s important to be cautious when purchasing.
What is the original Maria Theresa coin?
The Maria Theresa thaler (MTT) is a silver bullion coin and a type of Conventionsthaler that has been used in world trade continuously since it was first minted in 1741. It is named after Maria Theresa who ruled Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia from 1740 to 1780 and is depicted on the coin.
How can you tell Maria Theresa Thaler is a restrike?
Modern Restrike
Key identification characteristics for the 1780 strikes are in particular the form of the brooche in the veil on the obverse (no pearls, except for the later Vienna mint strike), the form of the letter ‘U’ in the reverse (AUST. DUX instead of AVST.
Is the Maria Theresa Thaler still used?
Since then, the Maria Theresa thaler has been restruck for trade purposes at Vienna, Austria, with the 1780 date frozen in time. The thaler became the unofficial currency in some areas of Africa and Asia, and is still in use today as a ‘trade silver dollar’ in many Arabian bazaars.
How much is a thaler worth today?
Thalers minted in recent years can fetch $30 for an MS-60 specimen and older Thalers are worth $500 or more. If you suspect that your Thaler falls into the second category, it may be worth getting it graded by PCGS or NGC. It is worth keeping in mind that these grading costs could exceed the value of your coin.